Frame for pedaled vehicles.



PATENTED JULY 2, 1907.

S. D. & H. T. LATTY. FRAME FOR PEDALBD VEHICLES.

APPLICATION FILED MAY 21,1906.

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N0. 858,661. I PATENTED JULY 2, 1907. S. D. 6; H. T. LATTY. FRAME FORPBDALED VEHICLES."

APPLIOATION FILED MAY 21,1906.

2 sums-5113M a.

SAMUEL D. LATTY AND HENRY T. LATTY, OF CLEVELAND, OHIO.

FRAME FOR PEDALED VEHICLES.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented July 2, 1907.

Application filed May 21,1906- serial No. 317,867.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that we, SAMUEL D. LATTY and HENRY T. LATTY, both citizensof the United States, residents of Cleveland, county of Ouyahoga, andState of Ohio, have invented a new and useful Improvement in Frames forPedaled Vehicles, of which the following is a specification, theprinciple of the invention being herein explained and the best mode inwhich we have contemplated applying that principle, so as to distinguishit from other inventions.

Our invention relates to improvements in vehicles, especially inchildrens wagons of the increasingly popular pedaled or automobile type;and it has particular reference to the construction of the frames ofsuch wagons, the object being to provide a frame that will be light andcompact and that will at the same time possess the desirablecharacteristics of strength and durability. Aside from the generalfeatures of our improved frame structure, we desire to call attention tothe support provided for the propelling mechanism where such mechanismcomprises a crank and chain, and also to the means employed to brace therear axle against the strain imposed thereon where this method ofpropulsion is employed. To the accomplishment of the foregoing and otherrelated ends, said invention consists of means hereinafter fullydescribed and specifically set forth in the claims.

i the crank and chain type of propulsion.

The annexed drawings and the following description set forth in detailcertain mechanism embodying the invention, such disclosed meansconstituting, however, but one of various mechanical forms in which theprinciple of the invention may be used.

In said annexed drawings: Figure 1 represents a vertical longitudinalcross-section of a frame embodying certain of our improved features andadapted to a link and pedal propelling gear; Fig. 2 is a plan view ofsuch frame divested of both the propelling and steering gear; and Fig. 3is a vertical transverse cross-section of the same taken on the line3-3, Fig. 2. Fig. 4 is a plan view of a frame similar to thatillustrated in Fig. 1, but adapted to the crank and chain type ofpropulsion; Fig. 5 is a vertical longitudinal crosssection of said frametakenon line 5*5, Fig. 4, such propelling gear and the support thereforappearing in side elevation; Fig. 6 is a vertical transversecrosssection of the same taken on the line 6-6, Fig. 5; while Fig. 7 isa perspective view of a detail that enters into the support for thepropelling gear.

Our improved frame is shown in its simplest form in Figs. 1 to 33,inclusive, where the type of propulsion illustrated is that of the leverand crank. In the remaining figures of the drawings such frame is shownwith the additional features in place that adapt it to In neither casedo we show the body, however; for while, as will hereinafter appear, oneof the objects soughtin the construction of such frame is to facilitatethe mounting of the body thereon, the design of the body, in itself, isquite immaterial. Automobile effects are at present favored, and in themore elaborate wagons the frame is modeled very closely upon the linesat present prevailing in automobile construction. The base of our frame,then, upon which the body, whatever its outward form is designed torest, is made up of two side-members A formed of T bars, Figs. 1, 2, "4and 5, disposed parallel with each other, the tongues a of such barsbeing turned inwardly and lying in the same plane, Figs. 3 and 6. Neartheir forward ends side-members A are joined by a transversetruss-member B, Figs. 3 and 6 preferably formed of strap iron and bentinto the shape clearly shown in the figures named. The intermediatehorizontal portion b of truss-member B is reinforced by a short bar bthat slidably rests upon the front truck B of the vehicle to which it issecured by a king bolt b while the outer end portions of "suchtruss-members arms I) are angled to coincide with the plane of thetongues a of side-members A, and are securely attached to the under sideof the same as by rivets a. The portions of side-members A lying to therear of such forward truss B are joined together by a series ofcrossbars G of which in the simplest form of the frame, Fig. 2, thereare three and in the other form of frame, as shown in Fig. 4, there arefour, the addition, however, of the fourth cross-bar disturbing in nowise the arrangement of the three bars common to both forms. Crossbars 0are preferably made of shallow channel iron, Figs. 1 and 5, and as inthe case of truss-member B, they are attached to the under side of thetongues a of such side-members. The first two of these cross-bars aredisposed immediately to the rear of truss-member B and only a shortdistance apart, and their central portions are joined by a plate G of Hshape that is securely riveted to their under sides. Formed integralwith plate 0 is a pendent hollow stud C that projects forwardly intoproximity with the center of forward truck 13 and forms a bearing for asteering shaft D. The lower end of such steering shaft is provided witha pinion (1 that engages an annular rack 1) extending rearwardly fromtruck B whereby it is obvious the latter may be readily turned in eitherdirection by appropriate rotation of shaft D.

The specific steering mechanism just described forms no part of thepresent application, being fully set up and claimed in our pendingapplication, Ser. No. 289,013, filed November 25, 1905.

Shaft D is, for convenience in storing and shipping, made in twosections, the lower of which extends but a short distance above thelevel of the frame and is provided with a ferrule (Z. lnto this ferrulethe upper section, whichbears the steering wheel I), is designed to fit,a key d or other suitable means, serving to secure it thereto. Where alever and crank propulsion E is used, the levers are hung from therearmost of the two cross-bars just described, a suitable clip 0 beingprovided for that purpose. The third of cross-bars O is disposed nearthe rear end of the frame and need not necessarily be made of channeliron as the others, since there is not nearly so much strain imposedupon it as upon them. Its manner of attachment, however, is the same.Adjacent to rear cross-bar O we provide bearings for the rear axle, suchbearings being either formed in brackets a which may be either of theV-shape shown in Fig. l, or of the form illustrated in Fig. 5.

Where the crank and chain method of propulsion is employed as has beenpreviously indicated,certain additions are made to the structure justset forth, in order to adapt it to support the changed type ofpropelling gear. Clip 0 is, of course, omitted also, and a straight rearaxle substituted for the one used with the lever and crank propulsion.The additions referred to comprise first of all the introduction of afourth cross-bar G intermediate of the last two in the arrangement justdescribed. Of the four cross-bars then present, the two intermediateones are connected by two similar longitudinally disposed elongatedtruss-members F; and the two rear cross-bars, which should lie moreclosely together than the intermediate ones, are likewise connected byanother longitudinally disposed but shorter truss-member F, locateddirectly in the rear of truss-members F and provided with a bearing fsuitably placed to receive the rear axle of the vehicle. The horizontalportions f of truss-members F are of course parallel and lie in the sameplane. Near their forward ends such portions f are longitudinallyslotted and, by means of set screws f passing through the slots,designated by f Fig. 7, a plate f 3 of the general form clearly shown inFig. 7 is adjustably secured to the under side of the horizontalportions f. To more securely retain plate f 3 in place than would bepossible by the use of set screws f 2 alone, a longer and heavier setscrew f is mounted in a clip f to the .rear of such plate so as toextend forward into contact with a flange f 7 thereon. A lock-nut f 8prevents set-screwf from turning, once it hasbeen adjusted. To plate f 3is securely attached a hanger F of any approved design and provided withpedaled cranks f 9 and driving sprocket f A chain F connects suchdriving sprocket f with the driven sprocket f 11 upon the rear axlewhich of course is a live axle. Driven sprocket f 11 is mounted on suchrear axle adjacent to the bearing f 11 that is provided by truss-memberF. The additional cross-bar C, as also the two longitudinally disposedtruss-bars F are by preference made of channel iron, the propellinggearsupport being thereby made much stronger and more rigid.

From the foregoing description of the construction of our improvedvehicle frame, the advantages inherent therein should be readilyapparent. In the first place by the use of T-bars in making the sidemembers of such frame we secure increased weight sustaining capacitywhile still maintaining the structure light. The use of this materialhas the further advantage of permitting the attachment of all thefixtures, as transverse truss B and cross-bars O, to the under side ofthe tongue where they are out of sight, and at the same time leaves theupper side of such tongue free and unobstructed for the reception of thevehicle body. By the employment of channel iron in the making ofcross-bars O and longitudinal trusses F we impart a desirable degree ofrigidity to those parts of the frame that have the greatest t rain towithstand. The method in which the hanger F is attached to such trusses,with the adjnstability therein involved is another feature to which wewould call attention, as is also the employment of truss-memln-rs i tostrengthen the rear axle against the pulling strain of the sprocketchain F By this last feature we make possible the use of a much lighterrear axle than would otherwise prove serviceable. All these severalfeatures unite to produce a frame possessing many desirablecharacteristics both from the standpoint of the manufacturer who seeksto build a frame with the lea st expcn diture of material and labor, andof the user who desires lightness and durability in the product.

Having thus described our invention in detail, that which weparticularly point out and distinctly claim is:

1. In a vehicle frame, the combination of side members formed of, T-barsdisposed parallel with each other, th tongues of said bars being turnedinwardly and lying in the same plane; a transverse truss-niemlnusecuredto said sideanenibers near their forward ends, said truss- Inemberconsisting of a bar of strap iron and having the outer end portions ofits arms angled to coincide with the tongues of the respectiveside-memlmrs and attached to the under sides of said tongues; cross bnrsof channel iron, with the channels turned down, joining said sidemembers at suitable intervals, said cross-bars being like wise attachedto the. under side of the tongues of said side members; and axlebearings for the rear axle attached to the under side of the tongues ofsaid side-mcmbers.

2. In a vehicle frame, the combination of side members formed of T-barsdisposed parallel with each other, the tongues of said bars being turnedinwardly and lying in the same plane; a transverse truss-member securedto said side-members near their forward ends, said truss-member havingthe outer end portions of its arms angled to coincide with the tonguesof the respective side-memlwrs and attached to the under side of saidtongues; two crossbnrs joining said side-members in the rear of saidtrussmeinber, said cross-bar being likewise attached to the under-sideof the tongues of said side-memlnu-s; a plnte connecting the centralportions of? lid two cross-bars. said plate be'ig provided with a be:ing adapted to re ceive a steering shaft; another cross-bar joining therear ends of said side-members and attached thereto in the same manneras aforesaid cross-bars; and axle-bearings for the rear axle attached tothe under side of the tongues of said side-members.

3. In a. vehicle frame, the combination of sitllrllltlllllt'l'fi formedof T-bars disposed parallel with each other, the tongues of said barsbeing turned inwardly and lying in the same plane; a transversetruss-member secured to said side-members near their forward ends, saidtrnssanemlwr consisting of a bar of strap iron and having the outer endportions of its arms angled to coincide with the tongues of therespective side-members and attached to the under side of said tongues:two cross-bars of channel iron join ing said sidemenibers in the rear ofsaid truss-member, said Cl0SSlJdI'S being likewise attached to the underside of the tongues of said side members; a longitudinally dis posedplate of H-shape connecting the central portions of said two cross-bars,said plate being provided with a hearing adapted to receive a steeringshaft; another ul'USSdJill of channel iron joining the rear ends of saidside menib s and attached thereto in the same manner as aforesaidcrossbar-s; and axle-bearings for the rear axle attached to the underside of the tongues of said side-members.

4. In a vehicle frame, the combination of side members; a transversetruss1neinbcr secured to said side-members near their forward ends;cross-bars joining snid sidcauembers at suitable intervals; andpedaling-gear supporting means comprising av longitudinally disposedtruss membcr secured at: opposite ends to two of said cross'bnrsrespectively, :1 plate udjustably mounted upon the horizontal Siti Ill?)lid portion of said truss-members, and a crank hanger attached to saidplate.

5. In a vehicle frame, the combination of side-members; a transversetruss-member secured to said side-members near their forward ends;spaced cross-bars joining said side-members; and pedaling-gearsupporting means comprising two similar longitudinally disposed,inverted trussmembers secured at opposite ends to two of said crossbars,respectively, said truss-members comprising intermediate horizontalportions; 3. plate adjustably mounted upon such horizontal portions; anda crank hanger attached to said plate.

G. In a vehicle frame, the combination of side-members; a transversetruss-member secured to said sidemembers near their forward ends;cross-bars joining said sidemembers at suitable intervals; twolongitudinally disposed truss-members secured at opposite ends to two ofsaid cross-bars respectively; a crank-hanger with crank and drivingsprocket adjustably mounted upon the horizontal portions of saidtruss-members; and another longitudr nally disposed trussanemher locatedto the rear of said last-named tl'ussmembers and provided with a bearingfor the rear axle. I

7. In a vehicle frame, the combination of sideme1nbers; a transversetruss1nember secured to said side-members near their forward ends;cross-bars joining said side-members at suitable intervals; twolongitudinally disposed trussmembers secured at opposite ends to two ofsaid cross-bars respectively; a'cr'ank-hanger with crank and drivingsprocket adjustably mounted upon the horizontal portions of saidtruss-members; alined axle-bearings attached to said sideanembers neartheir rear ends; an axle mounted therein; a driven sprocket mounted onsaid axle intermediately of said bearings and in line with said drivingsprocket; and a third longitudinally disposed trussmember, located tothe rear of said lastnamed ti-ussmemhers and provided with a bearing forthe rear axle.

8. In a vehicle frame, the combination of side-members formed of T-barsdisposed parallel with each other, the tongues ,of said bars beingturned inwardly and lying in the same horizontal plane; a transversetruss-member se cured to said side-members near their forward ends, saidtruss-member having the outer end portions of its arms angled tocoincide with the tongues of the respective sidemembers and attached tothe under side of said tongues; two crossbar-s joining said side-membersin the rear of said truss-member, said cr0ss-bars being likewiseattached to the under side of the tongues of said side-members; a plateconnecting the central portions of said two-cross 0 bars, said platebeing provided with a bearing adapted to receive a steering shaft; twoother cross-bars joining said side-members near their rear ends, andattached thereto in the same manner as aforesaid cross-bars;pedaling-gear supporting means suspended from the two intermediatecross-bars; and a longitudinally disposed truss-member secured atopposite ends to the two rear Crossbars and provided with a bearing forthe rear axle.

9. In a vehicle frame, the combination of siden1embers formed of T-barsdisposed parallel with each other, the tongues of said bars being turnedinwardly and lying in 1 the same horizontal plane; a transversetruss-member se- 5 cured to said side-members near their forward ends,said truss-member having the outer end portions of its arms angled tocoincide with the tongues of the respective sidemembers and attached tothe under side of said tongues; two cross-bars joining said side-membersin the rear of said truss-member, said cross-bars being likewiseattached to the under side of the tongues of said side-members; a plateconnecting the central portions of said two-crossbars, said plate beingprovided with a bearing adapted to receive a steering shaft; two othercross-bars joining said side-members near their rear ends, and attachedthereto in the same manner as aforesaid cross-bars; two longitudinallydisposed truss-members secured at opposite ends to the two intermediatecross-bars, respectively; a crankhanger and driving sprocket adjustablymounted upon' the horizontal portions of said truss-members; and anotherlongitudinally disposed trussmember located to the rear of saidlastnamed trussmembers and provided with a bearing for the rear axle.

10. In a vehicle frame, the combination of sideemembers formed of T-barsdisposed parallel with each other, the tongues of said bars being turnedinwardly and lying in the same horizontal plane; a transversetruss-member secured to said side-members near their forward ends, saidtruss-member having the outer end portions of its arms angled tocoincide with the tongues of the respective sidemembers and attached tothe under side of said tongues; two crossbars joining said side-membersin the rear of said trussmember, and crossbar being likewise attached tothe under side of the tongues of said side-members; a plate connectingthe central portions of said two crossbars, said plate being providedwith a bearing adapted to receive a steering shaft; two other cross-barsjoining said sideancmbers near their rear ends, and attached thereto inthe same manner as aforesaid cross-bars; twolongitudinally disposedtruss-lnembers secured at opposite ends to the two intermediatecross-bars, respectively; a crankhanger and driving sprocket adjustablymounted upon the horizontal portions of said trussmembers; and alongitudinally disposed truss-n1e1nber secured at opposite ends to thetwo rear cross-bars and provided with a bearing for the rear axle.

11. In a vehicle frame, the combination of side-members; a transversetruss-member secured to said side-members near their forward ends; twocross-bars joining said sideanembers in the rear of said truss-member; aplate connecting the central portions of said cross-bars, said platebeing provided with a downwardly projecting boss provided with abearing; a section of a steering shaft mounted in said bearing andprovided with a ferrule at its upper end, said ferrule being adapted toreceive and retain the other section of such steering shaft.

Signed by us, this 18th day of May 1906.

SAMUEL D. LATTY. HENRY T. LATTY.

Attested by:

G. W. SAYwnLL, JNO. F. OBERLIN.

